Webb writes with inauguration request

The hottest ticket in town is continuing to be a cause of concern for area lawmakers.

Virginia Sen. Jim Webb Thursday sent a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chair of the congressional committee in charge of planning President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration, requesting that his state’s close proximity to the nation’s capital be considered when tickets to the event are doled out to members of Congress.

To date this morning, Mr. Webb’s office had received more than 26,000 ticket requests, with many people asking for more than one ticket. The senator’s office has said they expect to receive roughly 500 tickets to the event.

“It is our hope to accommodate as many residents of the Capital-area as possible,” Mr. Webb wrote, “and I hope you take into consideration our unique situation.”

The congressional committee is expected to print 240,000 tickets to be distributed shortly before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.

The tickets are distributed to the public free of charge through members of Congress, but an inaugural committee spokeswoman said earlier this week that the number of tickets each office will get has not been worked out yet.

In the District, the office of Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton last week stopped taking names of ticket requesters after being inundated by thousands of would-be inauguration attendees.

The congresswoman has suggested holding off-site viewing areas for people to view the inauguration on television screens.

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